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Quantum Physics

Title:Beyond Complementarity

Abstract: It is argued that Niels Bohr ultimately arrived at positivistic and
antirealist-flavored statements because of weaknesses in his initial objective
of accounting for measurement in physical terms. Bohr's investigative approach
faced a dilemma, the choices being (i) conceptual inconsistency or (ii) taking
the classical realm as primitive. In either case, Bohr's `Complementarity' does
not adequately explain or account for the emergence of a macroscopic, classical
domain from a microscopic domain described by quantum mechanics. A diagnosis of
the basic problem is offered, and an alternative way forward is indicated.

Comments:

Section 4 amended to note that the emphatic nature of Bohr's assertions may be understood as a legitimate response to mechanistic, reductionist thinking prevailing in his time. However, they involve preconceptions subject to question. A contribution to Quantum Structural Studies, a volume edited by J. Jeknić-Dugić, G. Jaroszkiewicz, and R. E. Kastner; to be published by WSP

Subjects:

Quantum Physics (quant-ph); History and Philosophy of Physics (physics.hist-ph)